TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to apparatus for application of sheet material and has been devised particularly though not solely for the application of plastics stretch films provided on hollow roll type formers to products to wrap those products, for example, to wrap products stacked on pallets.

BACKGROUND ART Sheet materials such as plastic stretch films are provided on formers, which are usually hollow tubular type formers and the material is unrolled from the former so as to apply it to wrap products for example.

Apparatus for assisting in the application of such materials is known and is described in US Patent No 4179081. In US 4179081 a handle member is disclosed for placing about the outer surfaces of a protruding end of the former which carries the sheet material to be dispensed or is placed over an insert placed within the former. The type of handle described in US 4179081 is very thin and can become uncomfortably hot during use as the former rotates relative to the handle. Also, the handle is free to come off the end of the former during use and this causes difficulties in dispensing the sheet material. In particular, handles which come off during use are easily lost. Also, as the handles are placed about the outer surfaces of the ends of the former, the former needs to be made so that it protrudes beyond the edges of the sheet material which is wound on the former. This is inconvenient since space is wasted in storage of the rolls of sheet material and the overall dimensions of the former and sheet material are increased which makes transportation and handling of the former more difficult. Furthermore, a new pair of handles needs to be provided with each new roll of sheet material. This is wasteful and increases costs.

US 4179081 discloses a further embodiment having an adapter to fit tightly within the end of the former and the handle mounted rotatably on a protruding portion of the adapter. While overcoming the problem of having the former protruding beyond the edges of the sheet material, it has the further disadvantage that the adapter may rotate within the end of the former during use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for appUcation of sheet material which will at least go some way toward overcoming the above disadvantages, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. Accordingly, the invention may broadly be said to consist in apparatus for the application of sheet material, said sheet material provided on a former, said former having an open cavity in at least one end thereof, said apparatus comprising: a connector, an outer surface of said connector formed to fit inside said open cavity, said outer surface having an annular groove formed therein, engagement means provided in said annular groove, said engagement means protruding from said groove to frictionally engage the inner surface of said open cavity, a handle mounted on said connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front elevation in cross-section of a connector comprising part of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 4 is a front elevation in part cross-section showing the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 connected to a former carrying a roll of sheet material.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows apparatus for application of sheet material such as a plastics film, the apparatus being generally referenced 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a handle 2 mounted on a connector 3. The connector 3 has an outer surface 4 having at least one groove, and preferably two grooves 5 therein, the grooves 5 containing engagement means 6.

Referring to Figure 2, the apparatus of Figure 1 is shown in an exploded perspective view. Handle 2 is hollow so as to fit over a cylindrical portion 7 of the connector 3. The handle 2 is prevented from being removed from the cylindrical portion

7 by an end member 8 having a protruding portion 9 which is received in cavity 10 of cylindrical portion 7.

Referring to Figure 3, part of the connector member 3 is shown in cross-section. Member 3 is constructed from plastics material, for example, and has a cavity therein to be received and fixed to cylindrical portion 7. The recesses or grooves 5 contain engagement means which may comprise a single "O" ring 11 in each groove, the "O" ring 11 being sufficiently large to protrude from the recess or groove so as to protrude away from the outer surface 4 of the connector member.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the engagement means may comprise an upper and lower engagement member. An "O" ring 11 placed in the base of each of the grooves 5, the "O" ring comprising a lower engagement member. An upper engagement member is provided above the "O" ring 11, the upper engagement member protruding from the recess or groove so as to protrude away from the outer surface 4 of the connector member. It has been found that the most effective upper engagement member comprises a helical spring constructed from a material such as spring steel.

Referring to Figure 4, the apparatus in use is located within the cavity in the end of a former, for example a tubular former 12 as shown in cross-section in Figure 4. The former 12 carries a roll 13 of sheet material, for example, a plastics stretch film. Although the apparatus could be used by being placed in only one end of the former, it is preferable that respective apparatus are placed in each end so as to improve overall control and effectiveness in use.

To use the apparatus, a user simply grasps the former and sheet material and pushes the connector member 3 into the open end or cavity of the former. A frictional engagement then exists between the outer engagement member 6 and the inner surface of the cavity in the former so that a user may manipulate the former and roll of sheet material by grasping the handles 2 of the apparatus. The end members 8 which connect the handles to each connector member prevent the handle from being removed from the connector member, but still allow the connector member to rotate relative to the handle.

It has been found that the apparatus is very effective in providing a good connection between the former and the handle for manipulation of the former and roll of sheet material since the "O" rings 11 (being constructed of a resilient material) exert an outward force upon the helical spring 6 to keep the springs in contact with the inner surface of the former 12. Also, the helical springs 6, having their individual coils substantially aligned

with the central longitudinal axis of the former 12 allow the connector to be easily inserted into the former, but substantially prevent any relative rotational movement between the connector and the inner surface of the former. This is advantageous since the connector is firmly connected to the former so that sheet material is easily dispensed. The handle 2 is preferably constructed from a resilient material such as a rubber or plastics foam, for example neoprene, and is sufficiently thick so as not to become uncomfortably hot to the hands of a user. The use of a resilient material also improves the comfort afforded to a users hands. The handle may be fitted so as to allow the connector to rotate relative to the handle i.e. a loose fit, so that a user can brake the former by squeezing the handle if required. Alternatively the handle may be fitted tightly to the connector so that the connector rotates with the handle if a braking action is not required. The present invention may also be adapted to fit formers having a variety of different internal diameters.